In the heart of Chinese cuisine lies a simple yet profoundly delightful breakfast staple known as Youtiao, or Dầu Cháo Quẩy in some regions. This elongated, golden-brown fried breadstick not only carries with it the warmth of a morning ritual but also holds a place in the rich tapestry of Chinese cultural traditions. Often enjoyed dipped in warm soy milk or alongside congee, Youtiao serves as a comforting reminder of home for many, transcending its role from a mere food item to an integral part of family gatherings and morning routines.
The origins of Youtiao are as fascinating as the dish itself, intertwined with historical lore and regional variations, making it a subject of culinary intrigue. As we embark on this culinary journey to recreate homemade Chinese Donuts, we delve not just into the simple act of mixing flour and water but into a tradition that has been passed down through generations. This recipe aims to bridge the gap between the ancient and the modern, bringing the essence of Chinese street food right into your kitchen.
Crafting Youtiao at home might seem daunting at first, with its crispy exterior and airy interior, but with the right ingredients, tools, and a bit of patience, you’ll find the process both rewarding and enjoyable. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious novice, this guide is designed to walk you through each step, from mixing the dough to the satisfying sizzle of frying, ensuring your Youtiao are as authentic and delicious as any found in a bustling Chinese market.
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What Is Chinese Donut Recipe?
The beloved Chinese donut, known as Youtiao in Mandarin or Dầu Cháo Quẩy in Cantonese, holds a special place in Chinese cuisine and culture. With its signature golden-brown, crispy exterior and soft, airy interior, this fried breakfast pastry is a cherished way to start the day across China and many Southeast Asian countries.
Tracing its origins back centuries, Youtiao has a fascinating history intertwined with folklore and superstition. The classic shape – two foot-long sticks of dough joined along one side – is said to resemble Song Dynasty official Qingtian’s robes as he was executed. By eating Youtiao, the Chinese honor his defiant spirit.
Below you’ll find a comprehensive outline detailing how to make this delicacy at home, from ingredients and equipment to step-by-step instructions and serving suggestions. With this guide, anyone can craft and enjoy these iconic “oil-fried devils”!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Measurement |
| All-purpose flour | 3 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 1⁄2 teaspoons |
| Kosher salt | 1⁄2 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1⁄4 teaspoon |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Vegetable oil (for dough) | 1⁄4 cup |
| Vegetable oil (for frying) | 2-3 cups |
| Filtered water | 1 cup |
Equipment Needed
- Digital kitchen scale
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Rubber spatula
- Airtight container with lid
- Rolling pin
- Knife
- Chopstick
- Large pot with lid
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Cooling rack
- Paper towels
Instructions
1. Prepare the dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
- In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add the 1⁄4 cup vegetable oil and 1 cup filtered water.
- Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently combine until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn out dough onto a clean surface and knead until smooth, about 8 minutes.
- Place dough in an airtight container. Refrigerate overnight or up to 2 days.
2. Roll and cut the dough
- On a lightly floured surface, divide dough in half. Working with one piece at a time, roll into a rectangle about 1⁄4 inch thick.
- Using a knife or pizza cutter, cut dough into 3⁄4-inch wide strips. Cut each strip into 5-6 inch lengths.
- Lightly dust with flour, cover, and set aside.
3. Fry the Youtiao
- In a large pot over medium heat, heat 2-3 cups vegetable oil to 375°F.
- Working in batches, add Youtiao strips to the hot oil. Fry, flipping occasionally with chopsticks or tongs, until puffed and golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Transfer to a cooling rack lined with paper towels. Allow oil to return to temperature between batches.
4. Serve and enjoy!
- Best served warm, Youtiao goes excellently with soy milk, congee, or Chinese tea.
- For a sweet twist, try dipping in condensed milk.
- Youtiao can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature up to 5 days, in the fridge for 1 week, or in the freezer for 2 months.
Additional Tips
- Total time: 30 minutes active prep, 8-24 hours inactive resting
- Yield: 16-20 Youtiao
- Serving size: 2-3 pieces
- Approximately 150 calories and 7g fat per serving
- For vegan Youtiao, use maple syrup instead of egg
- Adding sesame seeds or green onions to dough adds flavor
- Frying in smaller batches prevents dough sticks from sticking together
- If Youtiao absorb too much oil, blot with paper towels before serving
In summary, with a bit of preparation and some kitchen finesse, anyone can craft these scrumptious “oil-fried devils” at home. The jet-puffed texture and crispy edges make Youtiao a sublime breakfast treat. I hope you’ll give this Chinese classic a try! Let the rich aroma and flavor transport you to the morning markets of Guangzhou.
Ingredients
- - All-purpose flour: 220 grams (1 ¾ cups + 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon)
- - Baking powder: 5 grams (1 teaspoon)
- - Kosher salt: 1.6 grams (½ teaspoon)
- - Baking soda: 1.4 grams (¼ teaspoon)
- - Egg: 50 grams (1 large)
- - Vegetable oil: 12.3 grams (1 tablespoon) for resting + neutral oil for frying
- - Water: 89 grams (3 fluid ounces)
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Create a well in the center and crack the egg in. Add the water and vegetable oil. Using a spoon or your hands, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough feels too sticky.
- Rest the Dough: Form the dough into a ball, lightly coat it with oil, and place it in a bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp cloth and let it rest at room temperature for 20 minutes.
- Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a long rectangle about 12 x 16 inches (30 x 40 cm) with a thickness of 1/4 inch (6 mm). Brush off any excess flour.
- Cut and Stretch: Using a sharp knife, cut the dough lengthwise into strips about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Take two strips and gently stretch them a few inches longer.
- Double Twist: Hold one end of each strip in each hand. Twist one strip twice towards you, then lay it on top of the other strip. Pinch the ends together to seal and twist the entire strand one more time. Repeat with remaining dough strips.
- Second Rest (Optional): Cover the twisted dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for another 20 minutes. This allows the dough to rise slightly for a fluffier youtiao.
- Fry the Youtiao: Heat enough neutral oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Carefully lower a few twisted dough pieces into the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and puffed up.
- Drain and Serve: Transfer the youtiao to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Enjoy them plain or dip them in soy sauce, chili oil, or congee.
Notes
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial. If the oil is too low, the youtiao won't puff up properly. If it's too hot, they will burn quickly.
- High-Hydration Dough: This recipe uses a high-hydration dough, meaning it has a lot of water compared to flour. This results in a light and airy texture but can be slightly sticky to handle. Use a little extra flour on your surface when shaping and rolling.
- Stacking the Youtiao: After shaping, dust the twisted dough pieces with a very light amount of flour to prevent them from sticking together.
- Safety First: Be cautious when working with hot oil. Use a slotted spoon to handle the youtiao and avoid overcrowding the pot.
Nutrition Facts
Chinese Donut Recipe (Youtiao / Dầu Cháo Quẩy)
Serves: 6-8
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 150-200 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 5-10 grams | 7.7% | |
| Saturated Fat 0.7g | 0% | |
| Trans Fat 0g | ||
| Cholesterol 1.7mg | 0.3% | |
| Sodium 100-200 milligrams | 4.2% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 20-25 grams | 6.7% | |
| Dietary Fiber 0.7g | 0% | |
| Sugars 0.1g | ||
| Protein 2-3 grams | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin C | |
| Calcium 102mg | Iron 1.4mg | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Vietnamese food recipe
Hello! I’m Christine Ha – a food nerd in love with eating, cooking, photography, science, and culture.
Vietnamese food was always on the table when I was a kid, but I didn’t really care for it until my late teens (what a waste!). I was a super picky eater and mostly just wanted fast food. Somewhere down the line I flipped a switch, and now home-cooked food is something I appreciate so much more. ⮕About me